 CENTERED PRESENCE, LTD. On-Site Massage Therapy By Michael Patrick PA License MSG001701 phone 412-608-9269 |
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| Special Client Populations |
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Centered Presence, Ltd.
accommodates all persons seeking to improve their lives through massage
therapy. However, there are specific client groups for whom the
skill and
expertise of Founder, Michael J. Patrick particularly shines:
Compassion is at the heart of my practice. Helping clients find their own self-compassion through therapeutic massage touch results in a kinder, gentler way of life. Increased body-mind-spirit awareness becomes increased life awareness. My approach to massage ultimately helps my clients make healthier lifestyle choices that cause them to better their own lives. |
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| Wellness Lifestyle |
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| One
common
thread
in
all
of
my
massage
clients
is
a
desire
to
develop
and
maintain
a
wellness-based
lifestyle.
Many
of
my
clients,
as well as myself, regularly participate in yoga,
meditation, fitness and outdoor activities. My massage
practice complements these efforts by using these other activities as a
point of refrence when activating client participation in the massage
process. The basic principles that work in one setting can be
applied in another. |
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| Professionals | ||
| I orginally became interested in
massage for myself as a way to reduce my own stress. As I grew
into receiving massage as a client, I have incorporated what I have
learned into my own
practice as a massage practitioner. My approach to massage helps
people
incorporate reduced-stress living into their daily lives by increasing
awareness of the body and paying attention to the body's
cues when the sense of being is pulled off-center. Through
the process of massage and the resulting body
awareness, many clients recognize the connection between tension
in their bodies and their own stress-producing patterns or
thoughts. This empowers them to make subtle shifts toward
reducing stress following their body's innate wisdom. |
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| Academic Researchers |
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| Stressful
deadlines
such
as
grant
proposals
and
publications
are
a
way
of
life
for academic
researchers and college professors.
The drive to achieve is strong and the nature of
the work is constantly subject to critical review and scrutiny.
It requires being an expert in every sense of the word, often times in
more than one field, which can be
very stressful to maintain. My work experience with academic
researchers has been to help them "just be" (not do) during massage
times. Freedom from the pressure to perform or achieve during
massage and other times allows the natural creativity and innovation
rise to the surface. As a result of regular restoration,
burn-out is prevented and output increases. |
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| Addiction Recovery |
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| Learning
to
cope
with
life
and
face
the
issues
driving
addictive
behaviors
are
the
primary
challenges
of
the
recovering
addict.
Massage
therapy
can
help by creating
a
calming affect while difficult problems are being addressed during
the recovery process. Self-massage techniques can also be used so
that the client can
learn how to maintain feeling calm long after the massage has ended.
It also can bolster a new positive habit of caring for the
self. Developing a connection to the physical body
can serve as basis for core-grounding. It is much easier to
make sober-minded choices from a place of grounding.
Massage therapy can
be one component needed to cultivate the sober mindset. |
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| Persons with HIV/AIDS |
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| This
client
group
experiences
a
great
deal
of
stress
due
to
the
uncertainy
associated
with
having
a
potentially
terminal
disease that
may progress
rapidly or be
managed for
years. Massage therapy can improve
immune system
function and is particularly beneficial for this group of
clients. Other practices, such as meditation and yoga, can also
help but massage offers the distinct valuable component of
human touch. Although HIV/AIDS is a disease of the immune system,
it has social and relational implications, which can also be a
significant source
of stress and even despair. The touch component of massage is
physically practical
in overcoming societal stigma that some with the disease
experience. The effort and energy of another can go a long way to
cultivating the self-care mindset needed in managing the
disease.
Positive, compassionate touch conveys support in an undeniable, direct
way. |
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| Gay
Seniors |
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| The natural aging process results in many physical changes often related to decline or loss of function; or simply not being able to do what was done before, or at least with such ease. Massage therapy can help the aging person in general by improving circulation and muscle suppleness; and through assisted stretching, improve flexibility. Maintaining flexibilty is key to the difference between being frail or healthy later in life. Therapeutic massage is excellent for navigating the physical, emotional and spiritual changes associated with the aging process and encourages healthful living at any stage of life. Gay Seniors are a special group within the aging population that face additional challenges than their mainstream counterparts. Although times have changed in society as a whole, many still face discrimination in senior care facilities or are largely invisible in the youth-oriented culture. This generation experienced firsthand the on-going stress of being societal outcasts and some have internalized the negative messages heard over a lifetime, despite recent broader acceptance. Being able to relax completely requires that you know you are safe and accepted completely. This creates the space needed to grow, evolve and thrive during this season of life. | ||
| Additional Resources for Clients |
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In order to help integrate
the practice of being centered and present, additional resources will
be available soon exclusively for clients of Centered Presence, Ltd.
Please check this space at a future date. |
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 CENTERED PRESENCE, LTD. P.O. Box 41001 Pittsburgh, PA 15202 michael@centeredpresence.com phone: 412-608-9269 |
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Presence, Ltd. All
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